Three women admit money laundering for Louth organised crime group

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

Three women who pleaded guilty to laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct relating to the Drogheda feud have been remanded on continuing bail for sentencing.

Leah Smith (26), St Cronan's Court, Swords, Co Dublin; Niamh McManus (39), Maudlins Lane, Duleek, Co. Meath and Amy Rooney (31), Newtown Meadows, Drogheda, Co. Louth, all admitted laundering money for the Boylan Organised Crime Group.

The defendants, who have no previous convictions, appeared at Dundalk Circuit Court for a sentence hearing.

Det Gda Garda Niall McManus said that as part of an ongoing probe into the Boylan OCG, a financial investigation of bank accounts was carried out.

The women were laundering on behalf of or at the direction of the OCG.

He said Leah Smith is a former partner of an unnamed member of the group and for a time she lived with Shannon Boylan, a sister of Keith and Josh Boylan, previously named in court by gardaí as "the leader of the organised crime group", and “second in command" respectively.

The total amount of money Ms Smith laundered was €14,100 through her Revolut account on dates between July 27, 2020 and September 25, 2020.

She made no financial again and no longer had contact with the OCG, telling gardaí, “I don’t care anymore”.

The court heard that Ms Rooney had “20 top-ups” on her Revolut account totalling €17,243.97, of which €17,120 was transferred out to the OCG between June 9, 2029 and February 23, 2021.

She told investigators that she was “in no way involved in criminality”. Her account was used without consent and under threat.

The defendant said that her former partner, Joey Whearty, who lost his life in Colombia, and was an associate of the Boylan OCG, “made my life a living nightmare”.

Det Gda McManus agreed with defence counsel that Amy Rooney was in fear of the OCG.

There was no suggestion she gained anything from her involvement.

The court heard that Ms McManus, an ex-partner of Josh Boylan, had €22,471 transferred out of her Revolut account between February 4, 2021 and April 18, 2022.

There had been an "element of control” in the relationship.

It was accepted by gardaí that the hairdresser was reckless in her behaviour and had not benefitted.

Det Gda McManus said he believes that the women have no continuing connections to the Boylan OCG.

Judge Hayes adjourned sentencing until February 24.